MTH 363 Operations Research

Text: I will suggest reference textbooks. I will provide the notes for the class in the form of Pencast.

Who: This class is intended for students who are majored/minored in mathematics/Computer
Science.

Goal: We will learn the basics of optimization through operations research. The main tool for solving problems is what is called Simplex Method.

Homework and Programming: You will be assigned homework almost
every class day. I will collect your homework weekly. There will also be
several computer programs.

Exams: There will be two in class exams on
February 6 and March 6.

Project: You will work on a project that is due on March 6. The project can be done in a group of 2 students. You will give a short presentation (about 15 minutes) on your presentation in the last week of classes. Your presenation has 20% of your grade. It needs to be typed in LaTex. I will give you more explanation as we move forward in class.

There is no make-up for missed homework, programs or exams.

Nonacademic electronic devices and tardiness policies: You are not allowed to use any nonacademic electronic devices (Ipod, MP3 players, cell phones, etc.) during the class time. If you bring your cell phone into the class, you MUST turn off the ringer. If you are consistently late to class (3 minutes or more), I will ask you not to attend the class until you resolve your time conflict.

Grading:
Hwk & Prog 40%
Midterms 40% (two at 20% each)
Project 20%

Grades will be assigned (roughly) according to the following scale ("+" and "-" will be determined later):
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F 30-59%

Where to get help:

come see me during my office hours or by appointment;

work with your classmates in small groups;

If you have a documented disability which requires any academic accommodations, you must go to the Office of Disability Services (ODS) for appropriate coordination of your accommodations. You may go to APSC 405 or contact ODS at (503) 838-8250 (V,TTY) to schedule an appointment.

General guidelines for success:

attend every class and take notes;

study and do written homework daily;

ask questions about concepts, techniques or ambiguities as soon as possible;